BMW channels its heritage as exciting new M2 is launched

The hotly-anticipated BMW M2 has now landed, and is an indirect replacement for the celebrated 1M coupe, boasting aggressive styling and 370bhp.

The M2 is the latest sports coupe in a long line of legendary road and racing BMWs, such as the 2002 Turbo, E30 M3 and 1M Coupé. Cast in a similar mould, the M2 brings the concept right up to date.

Powered by a new, specifically developed, 3.0-litre straight-six engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, the latest product from BMW M GmbH produces a formidable 370bhp, enabling an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. When equipped with the optional seven-speed M DCT gearbox, the M2 can sprint from rest to 62mph in just 4.3 seconds.

The M2 is fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox, featuring an engagement speed control function that blips the throttle on downshifts and lowers the engine’s revs on upshifts.

This impressive level of performance is expressed visually via aggressive enhancements to the base 2 Series Coupé body, reflecting the aerodynamic, cooling and chassis requirements of the new car. The BMW M engineers have worked to reduce weight wherever possible, improve rigidity and hone the M2’s responses via sophisticated chassis technology and electronics.

The M2 comes with a range of standard equipment, including the Navigation Professional system, the Professional Media Package and Xenon headlights. It’s available in four paint finishes: Long Beach Blue metallic, Alpine White, Black Sapphire and Mineral Grey.